Why Is Nutrition Important?

Nutrition is the basic source of energy that fuels your body for your everyday activities. The right kinds of food will supply you with all the vital nutrients that you need to ensure your body's growth, vitality, fertility, and maintenance. You can therefore eat our way to a stronger and healthier body. So, as the old saying goes, "you are what you eat." 

Nutrition is essential to maintain your health and to shield yourself from illnesses and problems. A well-nourished body equally distributes the nutrients in the food you eat to all parts of your body. If you do not get the nutrients that you need, your bodily processes will be affected and eventually, will lead to an increased risk to illness. The study of nutrition is able to identify how certain illnesses and conditions may be triggered by poor diet, metabolic diseases, food allergies, and other dietary factors.

Basic Nutrition

Nutrition is commonly seen as a combination of basic requirements such as food and water. Food consists of six nutrient classes. Good nutrition involves receiving the right amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients consist of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats while the micronutrients come from water, vitamins, and minerals.

People get their energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply your body with energy and help in cellular formation. Depriving yourself from carbohydrates can lead to ketosis. The recommended intake of carbohydrates is approximately 60% of the food you eat.

• Proteins help your body build lean muscles and also strengthen your immune system. Proteins are abundant in your body. They build your body’s tissues and helps repair cells. People need protein for the formation of enzymes and hormones that work together in processes such as metabolism and for our sexual development.
• Fat also gives you energy. Fats should not always be negatively seen as a component of obesity. Fats, in fact, help correct the use of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Fats also provide insulation for your body and protect you from changes in temperature. They also serve to protect your body’s vital organs.
• Vitamins are responsible for regulating your body processes and keeping them functioning properly.
• Water keeps cells in good shape and is known as the most important nutrient for your body. It is also the most abundant liquid in your body, taking up 70 percent of your body mass. Water is a medium for dissolving and transporting nutrients to all parts of your body. Water also regulates your body temperature and helps your body to eliminate waste products.
• Minerals, on the other hand, help regulate the processes of the body and in body tissue formation. They keep your cells healthy and functioning.

Aside from providing you with energy, nutrition involves an understanding of how a healthy diet prevents the development of diseases, problems, and other conditions of the body.